As the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series rolls into Port Macquarie, the stage is set for another weekend of unpredictable racing, elite performances, and breakout moments. With some waves on the horizon and the series beginning to take shape, the question on everyone’s mind is simple — who will rise, and who will surprise?
Quick forecast outlook:
Open Men’s Ironman
The men’s Ironman class of 2025/26 is absolutely stacked. There are simply too many great athletes to pick from. You can’t go past the new movie star and previous Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series Ironman champion, Ali Day — he’s the benchmark. But don’t sleep on current World Ironman Champion Finn Askew, who’ll bring plenty of local knowledge to the line and is sure to be a serious threat.
Open Ironwoman
On the women’s side, the depth is ridiculous. Expect a heated battle across the weekend, with many of the top contenders racing their first Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series event of the season. Coming off some gruelling long-course racing, it’ll be fascinating to see who’s pulled up best. Massie, Derbyshire, and Rogers just to name a few who will be firing come Saturday arvo.
Open Men’s Board
The Open Men’s Board race is shaping up to be a cracker. Matt Bevilacqua comes in as the man to beat — his board paddling has been on another level for the last decade, he’s near unstoppable. Corey Fletcher is fireworks has been right on his heels, showing sharp speed and smart ocean reads that could easily see him steal the win. And don’t sleep on our dark horse pick Mitch Stitt — he’s been flying under the radar, but with his surf skills and competitive edge, he’s every chance to surprise a few big names.
Open Women’s Board
The women’s board field is stacked with emerging stars and proven talent. Brodee Trinca has set the standard in a lot of races the last few years and looks primed to continue her hot form. Lucy Derbyshire is a gun at everything she could definitely take a few board races out this summer. Meanwhile, young gun Tully Elliott is one to watch. Expect tight racing and a few fireworks when the boards hit the water.
Open Men’s Surf Race
The Open Men’s Surf Race is shaping up to be a genuine battle of the surf swimmers. Hayden Cotter looks the man to beat — smooth through the break and always strong on the way home. He’s been in cracking form and knows how to handle whatever the ocean throws up. Ryley Harland isn’t far off him though, carrying good momentum from the Gold. But don’t count out Gus Shivnan he is our dark horse pick. His top end swim speed is unbelievable. This year’s swim series will be epic to watch.
Open Women’s Surf Race
The Open Women’s Surf Race will be one to watch. Lana Rogers brings that trademark class and consistency — she’s been at the top for years and knows exactly how to find a wave when it matters. Naomi Scott will be there. She is a queen of surf swimming. Emily Holyman is the one who could cause a stir she has solid results last year in the run swim runs and is ready for her next test.
Open Men’s Ski Race
The Open Men’s Ski is stacked with talent and guaranteed to be quick. Jackson Collins is the one everyone’s chasing. He’s been setting the last few years with couple of Olympians and will take some beating. Jake Morris will come out of the blocks and is a serious threat just not for this race but the series. Joe Collins is a name that we mention when it comes to irons but his explosiveness and starts are one of the best he is one who could sneak through and steal it.
Open Women’s Ski Race
The Open Women’s Ski race is going to be a belter. Jenaya Massie was in elite form last season. Is this her year ? Piper Harrison has been extremely consistent in the ski last few years ,and if she gets a clean run through the break, she’ll be right in the mix. Lani Steel is young gun to keep an eye on — she’s been training hard and looks ready to surprise a few people. A solid field, fast conditions — this one could go down to the wire.
Lets take a quick dive into the events:
Open Ironman
The one to beat:
Ali day
Next best:
Finn Askew
Dark Horse:
Sean Rielly
Open Ironwoman
The one to beat:
Tiarnee Massie
Next Best:
Lucy Derbyshire
Dark Horse
Dominique Stitt
Open Men’s Board
The one to beat
Matt Bevilacqua
Next best
Corey Fletcher
Dark house
Mitchell Stitt
Open Woman’s Board
The one to beat:
Brodee Trinca
Next best :
Lucy Derbyshire
Dark house:
Tully Elliott
Open Men’s Surf race
The one to beat:
Hayden Cotter
Next best :
Ryley Harland
Dark house:
Gus Shivnan
Opens Woman’s Swim race
The one to beat:
Lana Rogers
Next best :
Naomi Scot
Dark house:
Emily Holyman
Open Men’s Ski race
The one to beat:
Jackson Collins
Next best :
Jake Morris
Dark house:
Joe Collins
Open Woman’s ski race
The one to beat:
Jenaya Massie
Next best :
Piper Harrison
Dark house:
Lani Steel
See you on the beach :)
*** Thank you to Shaw and Partners Financial Services, Race One Surf Craft, the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, and the host club Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club for their incredible support in bringing this upcoming event to life.
